Were you ever one of those people who thought that selling, shopping, filing taxes, making reservations, trading or pursuing an education online was designed only for those tech savvy individuals? Well, I surely was. And many individuals still have not grasped the concept of seeing an online business as a reputable service entity. But gone are the days of thinking that online businesses will not sustain. With major companies like Wal-Mart, Macy’s, JC Penny (along with several other well-known brands) closing the doors to numerous stores, it is evident that the days for many brick and mortar businesses are numbered. With today’s digital economy growing so rapidly, this may very well be the apocalypse of the brick & mortar business.

One doesn’t have to be a business expert or an economist to be aware of the new economic wave that is quietly, yet consistently affecting today’s “conventional business.” With automated systems and digital technology integrating and advancing day by day, the “need” for physical store/business locations as well as physical labor is quickly diminishing. Needless to say, the term “downsizing” is an understatement with what is going on in the world of business.

Whether one chooses to pay close attention or bear a blind eye to how relevant Digital Economy has become to the world we live in, is neither here or there. Yet let’s face it… whether we favor this economic change or not, we all are being affected by it and will become even more affected by its momentum with every advancement made.

I will be the first to admit that two years ago I had no earthly idea what odd acronyms like SAAS (sales as a service), LAAS (location as a service), PAAS (platform as a service) and CAAS (communication as a service) meant and quite frankly, many individuals still don’t! Yet slowly but surely, these digital components are rapidly becoming implemented and are collectively altering the positioning of the 9 to 5er’s place in the work field.

“Well, as long as I’ve got my job, I’m not worried about it.” This has definitely become an antiquated way of thinking. In my opinion, if one is not already looking for an out from clocking in or being on a corporate payroll, he or she may fall victim to the doom of what lies ahead for most businesses. It’s best not to let a fancy job title make you a casualty of the inevitable shift of economy that is occurring due to this growing digital age.

If the question “What on earth should I do?” has already arisen within you, then you are already headed down the right path. While the Digital Economy maybe bringing on an apocalyptic wrath for many brick and mortar businesses, it doesn’t mean that things have to be all “fire and brimstone for you.” Catch your breath for a minute and allow yourself to look at your options. One of the best opportunities (if not THE best!) could be right under your nose. (If you don’t believe me, click here)

While the Digital Economy may very well be the apocalypse of the brick & mortar business, it may result in revealing a positive new future in store for you! Like the saying goes, “With disaster comes opportunity.” I never quite understood or even agreed with that saying until now. Fortunately, I can finally perceive this proverb in a totally new and positive light and you can too!